Page 14 - The Indian EYE 020725

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 14

Federation of Indian Associations

Celebrates Republic Day 2025

as a Night of Unity and Patriotism

Dignitaries doing the Lamp Lighting Ceremony
OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
and Congressman Raja Krishna-
he Federation of Indian Asso- moorthi took the stage, delivering
ciations (FIA-Chicago) host- stirring speeches that highlighted
Ted a grand celebration of In- the Indian-American community’s
dia’s 76th Republic Day on January achievements and contributions. A
25, 2025, at the Ashyana Banquets. ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony,
Over 500 guests attended the sold- symbolizing hope and prosperity,
out event, immersing the venue with added an auspicious touch to the cel-
patriotic fervor and cultural pride. ebrations.
The evening marked a grand debut The event was graced by an illus-
for Anu Malhotra as FIA’s President trious lineup of dignitaries, including,
for 2025, who flawlessly led the pro- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi,
ceedings, delivering an event that will State Representative Michelle Muss-
be remembered for years to come. man, Mayor Larry Herman, Mayor
The evening began with a heart- Rodney Craig, Mayor Tom Dailly,
warming melodic flute recital by Commissioner Kevin Morrison, Al-
Raju Bankapur during the cocktail derwoman Swetha Baid, Nimish Jani,
hours, setting a serene and patriot- Founder & Chairman addressing the audience on FIA Objectives Chintan Patel, Dr Parag Doshi. Dr
ic tone for the night. Guests were (Left to Right Past President Hitesh Gandhi, Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, Founder & Sreenivas Reddy, Dinesh Thakkar &
moved by the soulful notes, which Pinky Thakkar, Dr Dilip Shah, Ajeet
echoed India’s rich cultural heritage Chairman Sunil Shah, President Anu Malhotra) Singh, Nag Jaiswal, Harjinder Khai-
and filled the air with nostalgia and ra, J P Khaira, Gulzar Singh, Meghna
pride. The program commenced with National Anthem of India and the ing the organization’s journey and vi- Bansal, Asha Oroskar, Harish Kol-
a welcome address by President Anu United States, filled the hall with sion. In a proud moment, Sunil Shah, sani, Pradeep Shukla, Dr Suresh Red-
Malhotra, setting an inspiring tone pride and reverence. Vinita Gulabani, and Hitesh Gandhi dy, and Lakhvir Sahota. Their pres-
for the spirit of unity and pride in The cultural program contin- officially introduced Anu Malhotra ence added prestige to the occasion,
Indian heritage. This was followed ued with a patriotic group dance by as the President for 2025, heralding a reaffirming the significance of FIA’s
by a divine Ganesh Vandana dance Ghungroo Performing Arts, a trib- new chapter of FIA’s impactful lead- work in fostering community spirit.
performance by Aashna, invoking ute to India’s vibrant heritage. FIA ership. The cultural extravaganza con-
blessings for the evening ahead. The Founder and Chairman, Sunil Shah, The distinguished Consulate tinued with a mesmerizing group
audience then stood in unison as the then addressed the gathering, shar- General of India, Somnath Ghosh, Continued on next page... >>

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